You are an intake officer with the local juvenile probation department. One evening the police bring you a juvenile named Jeremy Williams who has been accused of assault. The assault arose out of a confrontation between Jeremy and his ex-girlfriend’s current boyfriend. According to the police, the boyfriend confronted Jeremy at a local mall and started to threaten Jeremy if he did not stop harassing his ex-girlfriend. Jeremy shoved the boyfriend who tripped and fell down a flight of stairs. The fall led to minor injuries to the boyfriend. Jeremy has never been taken into custody before and is a good student at school. He appears to be remorseful for his actions and is polite and courteous to you during the intake process. All indications are that Jeremy is a “good kid” but got caught up in a bad situation.
What would you decide to do with the case? Would you dismiss it, handle the matter informally or refer the case for adjudication?
What factors influenced your decision? State law allows you to place in detention any juvenile who has been arrested for assault. Would you place Jeremy in the detention center or release him to his parents?
Why did you make the decision you did?